OGDEN — Big Sky Conference Commissioner Doug Fullerton will retire after 20 years at the head of the conference, the longtime executive announced Wednesday.

Fullerton's retirement will take effect June 30.

The former Montana State athletic director took over the conference in 1995, becoming the fifth commissioner in league history. He presided over a period of unparalleled expansion in the conference, which included the addition of Southern Utah in 2012.

Under Fullerton's watch, the Big Sky has also added Sacramento State, Portland State, Northern Colorado and North Dakota, while adding UC Davis and Cal Poly as football-only members and re-adding charter member Idaho, which left the league in 1996, as a member in all sports except football.

"This has been an incredible experience, being commissioner for 20 years," Fullerton said in a statement. "I have had the privilege to work with an incredible staff as well as committed presidents and talented athletics administrators who have positioned the conference as one of the most innovative and stable conferences in Division I."

Big Sky basketball

Big Sky 'Road to Reno' postseason tournament explained

For the first time in conference history, the postseason tournament will take place at a neutral site. The 2016 Big Sky Basketball Championships for both the men and women will be held March 7-12 at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.

A search for the next commissioner will begin immediately by the university presidents of the Big Sky's member schools.

"The relationship Doug has with the presidents has been the hallmark of his tenure as commissioner," said Southern Utah President Scott Wyatt, the current chairman of the Conference Presidents Council. "He has guided the conference through the turbulent times of conference realignment and actually grew and strengthened our position in Division I during that time.

"He is a friend to us all and he will be missed. We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors."

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